Have You Done Your Mid-Year Check-In?

JoAnn Corley-Schwarzkopf -

Can you believe it? It's July already! Like me, you might have recently said to yourself, "Wow, where has the time gone?"

So, how has the first half of your year gone? Is it what you expected? What you desired?

As you know, one component of our philosophy in being a distinct leader is effective leadership starts with (and is anchored in) being the best version of yourself.

I think in order to maintain that - staying true to the real and best you - requires regular awareness of how that might be challenged via the many roles we play in both our personal and professional lives.

So, it's important to regularly take the time to check in with yourself to ensure you are connected and living from your ultimate source of power - your authentic self. Another way to describe maintaining this connection is tending to your personal well-being.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to lose sight of our personal well-being. Amidst work deadlines, social obligations, and the constant barrage of information, we often neglect the most important relationship we have: the one with ourselves. Regularly checking in with yourself is crucial for maintaining both life and work satisfaction.

Self-check-ins are essential for mental and emotional health. They offer an opportunity to pause and reflect on how you truly feel. Are you happy? Stressed? Overwhelmed? You can ask yourself:

  • How has my year gone so far?
  • What's been good? 
  • What do I want to change or course correct & what specific action / or behaviors are wanted?
  • What other questions do you want to ask yourself?

By answering even these preliminary questions, you can identify feelings/ emotions, wants/desires that you may not have noticed or even have been consciously ignoring.

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Please note... Ignoring your wants/desires or suppressing them is a subtle form of self-abuse. It's the opposite of self-love.

Once you've become aware and give your full attention to the parts of you you've not been honoring, you can take proactive steps to address them before they become more significant issues.

This practice fosters a deeper understanding of your needs and desires, allowing you to make adjustments that enhance your overall well-being.

In the workplace, self-assessment is a key component of job satisfaction and productivity. As you know, my book The Real You @Work, gives you exercises to help you identify and maintain that satisfaction. And, the Performance Tracker tool (worksheet or workbook) offers a system to integrate this awareness in weekly cycles.

Regularly evaluating your work-life balance  - or as I also say healthy work/life integration - can prevent burnout, ensuring you remain motivated and engaged.

Moreover, by recognizing when you're dissatisfied or unfulfilled at work, you can explore new opportunities within or outside your organization so that you can make changes that better align with your overall work & personal well-being.

Finally, self-check-ins also promote personal growth. By consistently reflecting on your experiences, you gain valuable insights into your behavior and thought patterns. This awareness can lead to positive changes in how you approach challenges and interact with others. Over time, this self-awareness cultivates resilience and adaptability, builds confidence, and mitigates fear. These are qualities of emotional intelligence which are essential for navigating life's inevitable ups and downs.

Incorporating regular self-check-ins into your routine doesn't require much time. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to journal your thoughts, meditate, or even take a quiet walk. 

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The key is to create a habit of mindful reflection that keeps you attuned to your inner state. Or, it may time for a formal, planned personal retreat.

In conclusion, checking in with yourself is a vital practice for achieving life and work satisfaction. It empowers you to recognize and address your needs, fostering a healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling life. Make it a priority to pause, reflect, and connect with yourself regularly. Plug it in your schedule and non-negotiable time. Your well-being and ultimate happiness depend on it!

Resources

  • The Performance Tracker Worksheet  | The Performance Tracker - 6 Month Workbook - Amazon
  • The Distinct Leader Podcast - Did you know you can listen to many of the e-coaches and other topics via iTunes and Spotify
  • YouTube - Lots of additional learning that compliments the e-coach, the work with clients and LinkedIn courses
  • The Real You @Work - free access to the PDF version as a subscriber or get the book on Amazon
  • Virtual Lunch & Learns - check out the most current menu - click here